Blog 849.  The Cunard Centenary World Voyage on board R.M.S. Queen Mary 2.

Day 1/102. Embarkation at Southampton.

The journey from Buxton yesterday was reassuringly straightforward and pleasant, despite leadened skies and some squally showers.  Now an established routine, my neighbour from over the road would drive me in my car the day before and partake of a celebratory dinner in the evening, these days at the comfortable Novotel, where we stayed for one night.

This morning was bright and sunny, but with a definite “nip in the air.”  But, like a light switch, that cloudless sky switched to “fifty shades of grey,” and the heavens opened as we walked around in search of a coffee and some last-minute bits and pieces. Boarding was not until 14.45 hrs, and as long as I was there before 16.00 hrs, there was plenty of time to relax and make any last-minute necessary purchases, as well as a light lunch.

Embarkation itself wasn’t too complicated, and all of a sudden, I was back on board, almost as if I had been here forever. 

I do like my single outside cabin midships on 2 deck.  Fireworks heralded the departure of both M.V. Queen Victoria on its westbound round-the-world cruise, and R.M.S Queen Mary 2 as it ventures east to Heraklion almost “express” calling at Lisbon en route, and eventually to Sydney.

I was joined for a light dinner by former world voyage travelling companion Jo who, like me, is on the entire voyage. The company was most welcome.  Although it was not a long day for me today, I still feel “contentedly tired.”  A rough passage of the Bay of Biscay has been assured by the Captain.  Before going to bed, I am chilling out in the Carinthia Lounge. Swallowing a seasick pill should put me right for tomorrow’s roller coaster seas as we head for what we are warned will be a turbulent Bay of Biscay.

So endeth day one of a hundred and two.

Many thanks for reading, David, 22.41hrs, Carinthia Lounge, RMS Queen Mary 2.

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